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Rehearsals and Carriage Crafts at Tupelo Lyric Theatre

Greetings, my dear readers, dreamers, and seekers of magic! It’s your ever-charming Fairy Godmother here, bringing whispers of enchantment straight from our enchanting rehearsals at the Tupelo Lyric Theatre. There are only 37 days left until the June 26th premiere, so the cast is locking in.

Since our last enchanted rendezvous, the hardworking cast of Tupelo Community Theatre’s production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella has been weaving dreams and conjuring theatrical marvels.

Cast rehearsing lines on stage facing empty audience seats.
Actors gather on stage in the 'Throne Room' around the impromptu throne

Majesty and Merriment at Cinderella Rehearsals

Sunday brought harmonious mischief as our delightful ladies assembled to work on “Stepsisters’ Lament,” with Charlotte (Julie Grisham) wondering aloud, “Why would a fellow want a girl like her?” This scene promises to be truly unforgettable – filled with humor, wit, and whimsical despair.

Shortly afterward, a gentle enchantment settled over the Lyric Theatre. Our gallant men joined the stage with our graceful Ella (Satrina Massey) ready to rehearse the poignant first meeting with Prince Topher (Jesse Watkins.) Ah, my dears, it’s a scene that starts dreams a-spinning – magical yet profoundly human, showcasing the timid first steps toward destiny.

And then, my dear friends, the journey carried us deep into the enchanted forest. A pivotal moment was rehearsed, ripe with drama and revelation – Prince Topher confronts Sebastian (Kenny Cook) and declares his intention to hold a grand banquet to seek the mysterious maiden who left behind only a slipper. 

Wooden carriage tested by cast members on stage.
Kenny and Charlies test the wooden carriage after rehearsal

After Sunday’s rehearsal finished, the work-in-progress carriage (crafted by our own talented Charles Truscott) was drawn across the stage carrying the ever-charismatic Kenny Cook. 

The Enchanted Carriage Continues Taking Shape

A Craftsman’s work is never finished – on Monday, Charles continued working on the carriage and added seating for Ella and her transformed driver.

Wooden carriage frame backstage with plywood and supports
The seats in the carriage are starting to form

Each piece of the carriage, from its carefully crafted wheels to its sturdy wooden seats, whispers promises of glittering transformations yet to come.

Wooden carriage in theater backstage area.
A complete view of the partially assembled wooden carriage backstage showing off the driver's seat

Witnessing the carriage gliding across the stage on Sunday provided the delightful assurance that this vehicle will leave audiences gasping in wonder.

A Glimpse into the Future: What Lies Ahead

As we inch closer to our enchanting premiere, the energy within our rehearsal room grows ever more vibrant. Expect even more behind-the-scenes magic as the cast prepare their costumes and the set take shapes. Be sure to keep coming back for new features and updates. Keep your hearts open and slippers polished, my dears, for the magic is only just beginning!

Until next time, dream big, believe in magic, and never forget: your Fairy Godmother is always just a wish away.

With a sprinkle of magic,

~Fairy Godmother✨